Those new hires will be charged with creating a fun but also profitable environment for the hotel.

While some hotels can be a money loser for theme parks, experts estimated Legoland won’t have that problem. Niles said the park is “sharply focused” on its target audience of elementary school age children, and has built a strong reputation in the industry since the park opened in 1999.

Numerous hotel features were designed to ensure children enjoy the stay, from the giant Lego castle and pirate ship play area inside the lobby to the shorter restaurant buffet bars and bathroom sinks designed for a child’s height.

Performers dressed like Lego pirates and princesses will entertain guests each night at the play area, park officials said. There’s also a pool for guests only and several dining and drink spots inside.

“They’re not going to have any trouble filling this hotel,” Hian said, adding that Legoland would probably be able to “drive (room) rates pretty high,” given the park’s strong and unique draw.

Added Niles: “Merlin is a smart company. They’re not going to build something unless they’re confident about a return on investment.”

No decision has been made on whether the park will extend its hours into the night once the hotel opens. Most park attractions close by 6 or 7 p.m.

Hotel guests will receive exclusive early morning access to the park, officials said.

Hian, the hotel consultant, said there are some entertainment venues where hotels would not make sense. It might be hard for a museum in the High Desert, for example, to convince people to stay overnight.

Legoland in Carlsbad, with is pleasant climate and places like SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park close by, makes a lot of sense, he said. The nearby attractions could experience a ripple effect of more visitors once the hotel opens.

Idris said the hotel charges rates comparable with other full service hotels in the area. In the fall and winter months, the price ranges from $149 per night for standard themed rooms to $349 per night for family suites, said Estrada.

The costs are “subject to change depending on the season, demand and size of the room,” the spokeswoman said in an email.

On a Saturday in early May, the cost for one room (shared by two adults and two children) increases to a range of between $246 and $409, according to the hotel booking website. On a Saturday in early July, that range is $309 to $509.

Guests have an array of park ticket and dining packages to choose from, which are separate from hotel room costs.

The general public can expect to pay between $54 and $97 for a one-day ticket, depending on the visitor’s age and how many attractions they want to see, according to Legoland’s website.